Officers were patrolling the area of the 600 block of South Florida Avenue when they came in contact with the suspect, who tried fleeing on foot in an alley and then exchanged gunshots with the officers.

Officer Clint Corvinus, 33, was transported to the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Corvinus was a 4 1/2-year veteran of the Alamogordo Police Department and was a field training officer at the time of the incident. Corivinus is survived by his parents, girlfriend and 8-year-old daughter.

Gov. Susana Martinez released the following in a statement:

“I am again so very saddened to see that yet another courageous law enforcement officer has been killed in the line of duty. I ask all New Mexicans to keep this brave officer’s family and friends in their thoughts and prayers. The violence against our police officers has to end, and we must do everything we can to stand up for those who put their lives on the line every single day to protect us.”

New Mexico State Police confirmed the suspect, Joseph Moreno, 38, had possession of a firearm at the time of the shooting. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Moreno has an extensive criminal history which includes arrests for armed robbery, aggravated burglary, multiple counts of possession of controlled substance, multiple counts of possession of firearm by felon, and contributing to the delinquency of minor.